Kensington debates carry-out alcohol sales

Town council to discuss issue at Monday meeting

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In Kensington, whether a bottle contains a pinot blanc or a "Pandora's Box" depends on which resident uncorks it.

The ongoing discussion about whether to allow carry-out sales of high-end wine and beer in the town, which currently only allows alcohol sales at sit-down restaurants, is raising the question about whether more changes to its once-dry laws quench a town thirst or open it to boozing on the streets.

At a Town Council meeting on Oct. 26, the Council entertained discussion requested by Rob Cooper, the owner of the Old Town Market, about changing the law. The council will discuss the matter again at the Town Council Meeting at 7 p.m. Monday at the Kensington Town Hall, 3710 Mitchell St.

Old Town Market is located in a former 7-Eleven convenience store and now sells homemade soups, baked goods and cappuccinos as well as standard fare like energy drinks and chewing gum. Cooper, of Kensington, wants to open his business to selling fine wines and beers, because he said "the neighborhood is pushing for it."

"They have requested whether or not we could carry wine and beer," Cooper said of his customers. "It's nice to see we're finally discussing it."

Cooper said he envisions 25 to 30 percent of total store space, including storage, to eventually sell high-end alcohol items. He is willing to allow the town to make stringent requirements on the license, such as operating hours and alcohol content of items for sale, and said alcohol would be in a separate part of the store from items marketed to children.

But many residents hesitate to change town laws to allow carry-out sales, lest the next request for a carry-out allowance be for low-end items not palatable to the town's image of itself. Several residents said the precedent set by allowing carry-out sales in town could eventually lead to low-end alcohol sales that could lead to people loitering and drinking in parking lots or town parks.

"I don't think that kind of topic should be personalized to one person or business, I think it's irrelevant," said resident Chris Bruch. He said Cooper's proposal may be attractive but could lead to the kinds of carry-out sales that are not.

Former Kensington Mayor Jayne Plank agreed.

"I think you have a lovely store and I love your coconut cupcakes, I don't want them to go away, but at the same time I am concerned," said Plank, who called the idea of allowing carry-out sales in town a "Pandora's Box."

"I know you have the best of intentions, but I have seen it go the other way," Plank said.

The Town Council is weighing the option of supporting state legislation that would allow carry-out sales in Kensington. Kensington does not have control of its own liquor laws, which are passed at the state level. The council already supported a change in state law that would allow alcohol to be served in more parts of town and in smaller restaurants after Andre Cavallero, owner of the catering business Sub*Urban Trading Co., approached the town about it. Cooper's Old Town Market is located in the same complex as Sub*Urban Trading Co.

Plank said allowing carry-out sales was "a total change in philosophy in the Town of Kensington" and shouldn't be done without a referendum.

"If you pass the legislation in Annapolis and then bring it back and try to enforce it, I think that's reverse too," Plank said.

But resident Jack Gaffey said he shops at Old Town Market all the time and supports the sale of beer and wine there.

"I think what they're proposing would be relatively moderate and would be a convenience and would not be a detriment to the neighborhood," Gaffey said.

Sharon Roelvink, who moved to Kensington a year ago from California, agreed.

"We have seen little markets like this work, where there's no quote unquote riffraff' hanging out," Roelvink said. She said she understood fears held by residents, but "it can be done right."

Roelvink looked around and said those attending the meeting didn't look like riffraff to her.